Let's ramble!

With the number of hospitals and healthcare facilities on the rise around the globe, more institutions and individuals are realizing the importance of antiseptics and disinfectants. According to Zion Market Research’s forecast, the global antiseptic and disinfectant market is expected to reach USD 8.1 billion by 2021 (market value of 5.55 billion in 2015), and is expected a rapid growth rate of about 6.7% yearly between 2016 and 2021.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ANTISEPTICS AND DISINFECTANTS?

Antiseptics and disinfectants are both fundamentally used for the same purpose: eliminating disease-causing organisms. How they differ, however, is based on the surface they are used on. Antiseptics are used to kill microorganisms on or in the skin. Disinfectants are used to get rid of microorganisms on the surface of objects or surfaces. (Livestrong, 2014).

WHY ARE THEY SO IMPORTANT?

Antiseptics and disinfectants are essential to preventing infection. Hospital acquired infections, caused by the spread of microorganisms, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and is the fourth leading cause of death in Canada. Antiseptics and disinfectants are especially necessary in a healthcare setting, as preventing hospital-acquired infections can save lives, reduce a patient’s hospital stay time and save hospitals a lot of costs associated with these infections. With an increase in advanced healthcare facilities and medical professionals/researchers worldwide, antiseptics and disinfectants are increasingly in demand. It is also important to note that, as developing countries are modernizing their healthcare facilities, demand is increasingly high in these regions. Institutions make up the biggest segment of the demand for these products (50% of market), hospitals and schools being major consumers.

To conclude, increase in advanced technologies, research and healthcare facilities has contributed to a higher awareness (both institutionally and domestically) of the danger that bacteria poses if left on skin or surfaces. This increase in awareness is what is driving the market for antiseptics and disinfectants and leading to its rapid growth, which is expected to continue.